Let's bag some better bags! July 5, 2010 3:49 PM   Subscribe

A Multi-Region, Multi-National, MeFi Reusable Shopping Bag Swap. Interested?

I, like I imagine most people now, use reusable shopping bags when I go grocery shopping. I have an array of cloth and sturdy paper shopping bags from local grocers.

But they're the same reusable shopping bags as everybody else has, because obviously everyone local goes to the same local grocers.

I want different reusable shopping bags! From non-local grocers! I think it would be neat to have sturdy reusable shopping bags from retailers I've never heard of and will probably never visit. They're low-cost enough, and light enough in weight, that I think they'd make a reasonable and fun swap item for people that have ready access to high-quality, inexpensive, local-retailer reusable shopping bags.

Off the top of my head, I know I can get reasonably cheap, reasonably high-quality, reusable shopping bags from local places like the Provigo (a Quebec-wide grocery chain), Métro (same thing), the Végétarien (a two-location vegetable market), the Grande Ruche (the local organic goods store), the local library, and a bunch of other places. I might throw in some from Quebec-based hardware chains, or any place I see one that looks nice and isn't too expensive.

So, say we do the following:

If you want in, you're committing to buying five sets of two reusable shopping bags, worth $1-$4 each, from local retailers (10 bags total). Ideally as local as possible to avoid people just getting bags they have access to already.

You also commit to send those reusable shopping bags to five different people.

I'll make five-person swapsets according to the best geographic diversity I can work out, then at random. We all then send our bags out, and get 10 diverse reusable shopping bags from all over the place in return. If people in your swapset want to send around lists of possible bags and “take orders,” that'd be swell, but they're not obliged.

Deadline for signup: July 19 (two weeks from today). Deadline for mailout: July 26 (one week after).

I'll try to distro things so they make sense, to avoid clusters of people from the same spot. If we wind up with, say, 40 New Yorkers signing on and only three people from elsewhere, a bit of a re-think will be in order.
posted by Shepherd to MetaFilter-Related at 3:49 PM (164 comments total) 16 users marked this as a favorite

I like this idea. I have a lot of promotional shopping bags from various places (library conferences, etc). Can I substitute?
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 3:52 PM on July 5, 2010


For sure! I think everyone here is a good judge of what's "reasonably used" for swappin' purposes.
posted by Shepherd at 3:58 PM on July 5, 2010


For sure! I think everyone here is a good judge of what's "reasonably used" for swappin' purposes.

Spouses?
posted by gman at 4:03 PM on July 5, 2010 [2 favorites]


I'm in. Gotta track down some of those insanely bright Bulk Barn bags ...
posted by scruss at 4:17 PM on July 5, 2010


I'm in, another Quebecer.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 4:27 PM on July 5, 2010


Oh cool! I'm in - Boston-y flavored.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 4:29 PM on July 5, 2010


I'm in.
posted by crunchland at 4:38 PM on July 5, 2010


Can't wait to share one from a quirky local chain called Ẅhölé Foodş.
posted by special-k at 4:59 PM on July 5, 2010 [4 favorites]


How fun. I'm in. Will be sending PCC, maybe Central Market bags as I'm a north Seattle based Mefi.
posted by bearwife at 5:27 PM on July 5, 2010


Ooh, this sounds fun. I'm in - Im from outside Chicago.
posted by sugarfish at 5:39 PM on July 5, 2010


I like this idea but that's way too many bags. We use two for shopping, I have one other smaller one I sometimes use. I have a couple of cool spare ones that I don't need but ending up with ten more bags? What would I ever put in them?
posted by shelleycat at 5:51 PM on July 5, 2010


Are we talking about something like those huge blue bags from IKEA? But from local supermarkets?
posted by misozaki at 6:25 PM on July 5, 2010


Shelleycat: I'm sure, once the swapsets are arranged, you can request to get only one bag per participant and to send one bag per participant. We have about five bags in our house and only use two per trip, but often find the others have other uses -- hopefully that's okay.

Misozaki: Yes, but generally much smaller than the huge blue IKEA bags. Generally speaking, these are about the same size as a plastic bag from an average supermarket or a little larger, made of plastic-reinforced paper with vinyl handles or cloth, and are meant to replace the disposable plastic bags you get at the grocery store.
posted by Shepherd at 6:33 PM on July 5, 2010


Hmm. Before I commit to this thing, I'd better make sure that the cool local grocery store has reusable bags for sale.
posted by box at 6:42 PM on July 5, 2010


I have a few of the just-cloth kind, are they okay?
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:42 PM on July 5, 2010


Five is too many to actually, I really only have room for the two and a bit I actively use. Plus why have lots of bags sitting around that you don't use? So I guess I don't fit the target audience for this at all!
posted by shelleycat at 7:10 PM on July 5, 2010


I'm in! Connecticut.
posted by spinturtle at 7:11 PM on July 5, 2010


I'd be in (Australia). I also make reuseable shopping bags, so is it OK to include one of those?
posted by girlgenius at 7:37 PM on July 5, 2010


I'm in, but I agree that 10 bags is way too much. I shop for a family of 3, cook a lot, and use no more than 6 for a weekly trip. Maybe we can chose to exchange 3 or 6 or 9, etc?

Could we say that the bags need to have the same handles that the typical grocery store bags have? Maybe I'm a bit anal about my bags, but I hate in when the handles are too short because I like to be able to throw them over my shoulder. I've given a few promotional bags away because they were too awkward.

I hope bags from Fiesta are cool enough. I wish Pepe the Toucan was on them, but they're kind of boring bags.
posted by zinfandel at 7:38 PM on July 5, 2010


Oh, if we're supposed to be saying where we're from, I'm in Houston.
posted by zinfandel at 7:38 PM on July 5, 2010


I am amused by this idea, and since 10 more bags would be but a drop in the bucket in my current bag collection, happy to join in.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:16 PM on July 5, 2010


Okay, thanks for the clarification, Shepherd. I'm sort of interested in this, because I really enjoyed the postcard exchange we did recently, but yes, ending up with 10 bags is kind of too many for me because I only shop for a family of three. Also, I'm in Tokyo. Considering that postage to send the bags would most likely end up costing more than the bags themselves, would anyone be willing to exchange bags with me?
posted by misozaki at 9:04 PM on July 5, 2010


"I use cloth bags because I want to minimize my impact on the planet!"
"Those are pretty snazzy. Where did you get them?"
"Oh, in the mail. From about 3,000 kilometres away."
"...you don't really understand the word 'minimize', do you?


Jokes aside, this is a great idea. I'm sad that I can't take advantage - I have 2 of the Ikea bags, which are pretty much a full fit in my saddlebags, so my carrying capacity is full.

Although: those Ikea bags are fantastic. $5, massive & plastic, with both short and long handles. I'm not even sure how much weight they can hold, I always run out of space first.
posted by Lemurrhea at 9:06 PM on July 5, 2010


I like this idea, but I agree that 10 bags is way too many.
posted by desuetude at 9:08 PM on July 5, 2010


I can and will participate from Chapel Hill, NC. One of our local markets makes some kickass bags!
posted by msali at 9:15 PM on July 5, 2010


This sounds fun. I'm in, in L.A.
posted by OolooKitty at 9:15 PM on July 5, 2010


So wait, you're going to ship dozens of bags all over the country to conserve resources?
posted by Eideteker at 9:27 PM on July 5, 2010 [7 favorites]


I'm in, in Cincinnati.
posted by keli at 9:44 PM on July 5, 2010


I'm in. Australia, specifically Sydney.
posted by kjs4 at 10:22 PM on July 5, 2010


I'm in from Baltimore. All ten bags, even. I have an addiction. Suck it, haters. :)
posted by youcancallmeal at 11:25 PM on July 5, 2010


shopping Swapping bags?
posted by Cranberry at 11:40 PM on July 5, 2010


I have a set of three awesome striped reusable ripstop nylon bags that are mine mine mine. But I always forget to put them in my purse or actually use them when I go to the grocery store. Well, not always, but often. I just use the plastic bags as bin liners etc until I run out and then I kind of miss them.

I also have to buy special trash bags and I should be separating trash better than I do. Luckily people around here seem pretty universally crap at properly sorting trash, and so most people seem to dump most things right into the 家庭ゴミ bags. I once actually asked what to do with batteries and was just told to throw them in the household trash! I think I am pretty awesome at minimizing my trash though, I tend to only use one 10L bag a week, and most of that recently has been flower-related waste.

Shipping things from Japan is expensive.
posted by that girl at 12:05 AM on July 6, 2010


I will be pleased to exchange my Bags of Portland (Ore.) for those from distant climes. Mine will include a few hyperlocal all-cloth rarities from my neighborhood greengrocer, as well as your more standard recycled pop-bottle woven affairs from a friendly Portland-area micro-chain.

I don't know how many reusable bags I have, but it's more than 10. Don't you folks ever forget to bring your bags? Repeatedly? Huh.
posted by mumkin at 12:32 AM on July 6, 2010


According to a joint food safety research report issued by researchers at the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University, reusable grocery bags can serve as a breeding ground for dangerous foodborne bacteria and pose a serious risk to public health. The researchers randomly tested reusable grocery bags carried by shoppers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Tucson. Researchers also found consumers were almost completely unaware of the need to regularly wash their bags. Food Safety News
posted by crunchland at 12:53 AM on July 6, 2010 [1 favorite]


There seem to be a fair number of well-organized and efficient people that just can't use 10 more shopping bags, which is a valid point and probably one I could learn something from.

(Probably because of the semi-regular mix CD swaps), I find five is a nice number for a swapset, as it gives you a fair bit of variety while still being manageable. I think there's a lot of latitude for people in a swapset to request to send/receive only one bag to/from five people, so once they're established that can definitely be arranged amongst yourselves.

But if you're in, you're in for five bags. If that's too many, I'll make a note of the "that's too many!" folks and maybe poll for one-off exchanges once the "regular" sets are established. I shall make a spreadsheet! It will have many columns.

And if you're willing to send things from Japan, we should be willing to send things to Japan. Tell you what, though -- I'll make the Japan swapsets a few days in advance just to confirm that those involved are comfortable. It is expensive, but I'd be game (for instance).

Even things like Whole Foods bags aren't that crazy; my wife is from Atlanta and misses Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, which as I understand it also has regionally themed bags to offer.
posted by Shepherd at 2:16 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in! Oh god this is the best way ever to indulge my crazy Americanophile ways.

I'm in Nottingham, England.
posted by citands at 4:30 AM on July 6, 2010


I'd like to be in... but do you mean the semi-cloth ones.. in that plastic fabric-like ones that i'm told are made from soft drink bottles? Or do you mean strong, fancy, handled paper bags?

I'm in Sydney, Australia.
posted by taff at 5:08 AM on July 6, 2010


I loooove our reusable bags (not just for environmental reasons but because I can carry so much more with them--20-30 disposables = 5-10 reusables = fewer trips) and would also love to get more. But it turns out my localish grocery store ("only" 62 locations in the bi-state area) has a generic bag that just says "fold-a-tote". So...bleh.

It's doubly annoying because I was hoping to get something cool I could use for a library bag. My current huge library bag is only just barely holding up to the strain of having to get books for 3 separate bedtime story book sets.
posted by DU at 5:55 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in. A lot of my Stop & Shop bags are getting kind of worn through and need replacing. I'm also kind of hesitant to add ten more, but they're so multipurpose I'm sure I can find a use somehow.
posted by cobaltnine at 6:08 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in (Paris, France)
posted by tractorfeed at 6:37 AM on July 6, 2010


I think I wish to subscribe to this newsletter: I'm in. Except whoever gets me in the swap is getting cloth bags because that's just how we roll here in the hippie capital of the US - it's organic unbleached cotton in Asheville or nothing.
posted by mygothlaundry at 7:25 AM on July 6, 2010


Did you guys know that the same resources you are saving by using reusable bags are being spent on sending these same bags all over the place by planes, trains, and automobiles?

Some people are in it for the environmental savings; some people are in it because they like cool shopping bags.
posted by Hiker at 7:34 AM on July 6, 2010


Did you guys know that the same resources you are saving by using reusable bags are being spent on sending these same bags all over the place by planes, trains, and automobiles?

True. However if you go down this road you can also stop using the mail entirely, never showering and using leaves instead of toilet paper. Everyone's got to draw their own line someplace.

Also my bags will be cloth.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:37 AM on July 6, 2010


Besides, the mailman goes by my house whether I have mail or not. Unless someone participating lives on an iceberg, I don't imagine anyone along the way is making a special trip just to deliver a couple shopping bags.
posted by crunchland at 7:38 AM on July 6, 2010


A Multi-Region, Multi-National, MeFi Toilet Leaf Swap. Interested?

I, like I imagine most people now, use leaves when I go to the bathroom. I have an array of oak and maple leaves from local trees.

But they're the same leaves as everybody else has, because obviously everyone local goes to the same local trees....
posted by DU at 7:44 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in! Cleveland, Ohio :)

Would also be interested in joining a subset of handmade bags -- I love the crafty crafty...
posted by bitter-girl.com at 7:59 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in! (Ontario Canada)
posted by VioletU at 8:07 AM on July 6, 2010


My environmentally friendly bags are made only of the highest quality imported silks and angora threads, carved expertly from the closets of America's biggest stars. One bag is made of MC Hammer's pants, another from Jacko's gold buttoned vest. My largest bag was once a sequined bikini bottom for J-Lo. I will take expert care to pack these items in the softest down of California Condors (fledgelings, of course) and expedite them via FedEx to your home, so that together we may continue to save the world.

I'd like a food exchange. Like, you send me chocolate kinder hippos and fresh oysters and I'll send you ramps and pepperoni rolls. Cuz that's a fair trade.
posted by TomMelee at 8:18 AM on July 6, 2010


reusable grocery bags can serve as a breeding ground for dangerous foodborne bacteria and pose a serious risk to public health

Maybe this is a stupid and off-topic question, but how is that bacteria supposed to get from my bags to my mouth? You know, if I'm washing my hands and fruit/vegetables? Everything else that goes in the bag is contained in some sort of "container" and generally heated up to kill foodborne bacteria in the first place?

But it's a good point about washing the bags once in a while.
posted by muddgirl at 8:20 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in! But I'll have to hunt down some local bags - I currently just use Whole Foods and Trader Joe's bags which are not so exciting. I'm in Los Angeles.
posted by insectosaurus at 8:31 AM on July 6, 2010


And just a side note: Trader Joe's and Whole Food bags are somewhat exciting out here where it's Shaw's or nothing.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:35 AM on July 6, 2010


how is that bacteria supposed to get from my bags to my mouth? You know, if I'm washing my hands and fruit/vegetables? Everything else that goes in the bag is contained in some sort of "container" and generally heated up to kill foodborne bacteria in the first place?

It's not exactly the same, but Mythbusters recently did a segment about how germs can get everywhere.

posted by crunchland at 8:38 AM on July 6, 2010


Maybe this is a stupid and off-topic question, but how is that bacteria supposed to get from my bags to my mouth?

Yeah, I don't get it. It's not like the the groceries were in a sterile environment before they got into the bag. I assume a grocery store is fairly filthy. Imagine what gets on that checkout belt.
posted by smackfu at 8:42 AM on July 6, 2010


I would love some new bags. I'm in.
posted by reenum at 8:59 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in! (Brazil)

Hmm...my hubby rolled his eyes at the postcard swap. What will he think when I have to go mail shopping bags?!
posted by wallaby at 9:02 AM on July 6, 2010


I suspect some of that bacteria comes from the leaking packages of meat that get put into the reusable bags. With plastic, you throw that away. But yeah, wash your veggies at home and you're probably fine.

I'm in - I live in Dallas. Up to now, my passion has been scoring FREE bags from giveaways and festival booths. Dollar for a bag??? No way. But for this, I'll visit a few of the really local stores and see if I can get some fairly exotic bags, likely to be printed in Spanish.
posted by CathyG at 9:04 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in. Portland. The Oregon one.
posted by janell at 9:19 AM on July 6, 2010


I'd like to bag a few bags so I'm in too.
Ich bin in Rostock, in Deutschland.
posted by jonesor at 9:48 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in (New York City), but completely regretting not searching our Piggly Wiggly bags while I was in South Carolina. I'm thinking about the New York Public Library bags.
posted by sciencegeek at 10:02 AM on July 6, 2010


"True. However if you go down this road you can also stop using the mail entirely, never showering and using leaves instead of toilet paper. Everyone's got to draw their own line someplace."

My line is drawn at shipping a bunch of bags across the country. Showering promotes hygiene. What does a bag swap get you? Cool bags. I'll stick with the same boring local ones, thanks. And I don't use the mail. Not if I can help it. And yes, I use the recycled TP (more like bark than leaves amirite) on my derrière.

Suffice to say, there's a big difference between using reusable bags, and shipping them to a dozen people, who are also shipping to a dozen people, and so on. There's a big difference in all of that than there is from any of your examples. Suggesting otherwise is disingenuous. But I was also the only one who saw an environmental issue when those disposable DVD rentals came out, so what do I know?

(Also, when reading this thread, I was like, how can people use 10 shopping bags? I could never carry that many! Then I was like, oh right, you people put them in your cars to drive home. Not sanctimonious, I just mean to show how divorced I am from the typical MeFite.)
posted by Eideteker at 10:40 AM on July 6, 2010


I like this. My bag collection is getting kinda of stale. Los Angeles. California.
posted by conrad53 at 10:40 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in! Get yourself some bags from Ottawa, Canada!
posted by MelanieL at 10:45 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in. cloth bag subset please. (although I'll take any and I might send out a bag from our local tienda.
posted by vespabelle at 10:47 AM on July 6, 2010


I normally like to stay pretty anonymous around here but for some reason I really like this idea, so I'm in. And in CT.
posted by widdershins at 10:48 AM on July 6, 2010


I have more than a dozen resuable shopping bags (the kind that roll up into a small package) and I haven't driven to the grocery store in over ten years. So, nope, I don't put them in my car to drive home. Don't own one. With luck I never will again. But I forget them sometimes. Or my mom sends me home from her house (on the commuter train) with stuff in a bag she got at her store. And I have spares in my briefcase. Or that backpack I use sometimes. So, yeh, not seeing where having a lot of reusable shopping bags is mystifying. That said, I'm not really interested in this swap, particularly, but I love swaps generally.
posted by crush-onastick at 10:54 AM on July 6, 2010


I suspect some of that bacteria comes from the leaking packages of meat that get put into the reusable bags. With plastic, you throw that away. But yeah, wash your veggies at home and you're probably fine.

I re-used plastic bags for as long as possible, back when I got plastic bags at the check-out line. Although I did not carry them back to the store, I would use them to take my lunch to work, which seems to be a rather analogous exercise.

I also tend to wrap meat in those thin plastic vegetable bags before putting them in the green bag, so I suppose I'm not 100% plastic-free yet. I also wrap vegetables and fruit that have an edible skin.

(Most infuriating "you need a plastic bag" moment: I was buying a purse at Macy's. A purse is, you know, a kind of bag. Apparently, I needed to put the bag in a bag, or the salesperson would "get in trouble" with theft prevention.)
posted by muddgirl at 11:19 AM on July 6, 2010


Nice idea. I'm in, from Ceredigion, Wales.
posted by ceiriog at 11:59 AM on July 6, 2010


I'm in, from Bydgoszcz, Poland!
posted by mdonley at 12:32 PM on July 6, 2010


I'm in-Minneapolis, MN
posted by dinty_moore at 12:41 PM on July 6, 2010


I'm in Albuquerque, NM. Mostly we have Trader Joe's here. I might be able to get something from Smith's too.
posted by NoraReed at 4:55 PM on July 6, 2010


I'm in. Salt Lake City, UT.
posted by freejinn at 5:28 PM on July 6, 2010


... how can people use 10 shopping bags? I could never carry that many! Then I was like, oh right, you people put them in your cars to drive home...

Mere moments after joining this scheme, we went out to a market here in Paris. Riding home on bicycles, bicycles, mind you, I realized that between the two of us we had used eight bags in total (slung over shoulders and handlebars; crammed into baskets). The Camembert doesn't schlep itself...
posted by tractorfeed at 5:43 PM on July 6, 2010


But if you're in, you're in for five bags.

Five, as in sending one bag each out to five people, right? I could do that!

And if you're willing to send things from Japan, we should be willing to send things to Japan. Tell you what, though -- I'll make the Japan swapsets a few days in advance just to confirm that those involved are comfortable. It is expensive, but I'd be game (for instance).

Thanks! If I do it right, it shouldn't be too costly from my end. I'd be willing to send mine out to anybody anywhere on this planet. I love sending stuff to people.

So, yes, please count me in! Oh, and if five other people are willing to exchange bags with me, I'll send you one regardless, Shepherd. Thanks for organizing this.
posted by misozaki at 6:26 PM on July 6, 2010


I'm in flyover country, the panhandle of Texas. I'm in. I'd love bags from off-continent.
posted by lysdexic at 6:36 PM on July 6, 2010


Eideteker writes "So wait, you're going to ship dozens of bags all over the country to conserve resources?"

No, to get cool new bags
posted by Mitheral at 8:40 PM on July 6, 2010


Me, too please! In Greensboro, NC. I would like to be in for 5 bags, though, not 10.
posted by jeoc at 8:51 PM on July 6, 2010


I need to make sure that I can actually find some bags around here (I'm usually a reuse-the-plastic-bags guy), but I should be in. Milwaukee, WI.
posted by niles at 9:16 PM on July 6, 2010


Please add me in for 10 from Washington DC.
posted by rabidsegue at 8:21 AM on July 7, 2010


I'd like to join in - I'm currently in Panama and I picked up reusable bags at the local supermarket this morning that I can mail when I return to North America shortly.
posted by flex at 9:29 AM on July 7, 2010


I'm in - Boston. Would be happy to mail internationally.
posted by darsh at 9:34 AM on July 7, 2010


Those planes and trucks are going to get moving whether or not these bags are getting shipped. Maximizing the amount of cargo they're carrying for the fuel they're using is actually quite the Earth-friendly thing to do.

/chases Debbie Downers with a broom
//not too far, since I'm outta shape
///tries to catch breath
posted by azpenguin at 9:41 AM on July 7, 2010


Just picked up 10 gorgeous bags from Wegman's. The cashier thought I was a little strange, since I didn't want her to use them to pack my groceries.
posted by crunchland at 9:45 AM on July 7, 2010


Cool idea, I'd be in for 5 - Manchester, UK.
posted by shinybaum at 10:25 AM on July 7, 2010


..and I'm always up for some international swapping action.
posted by niles at 10:30 AM on July 7, 2010


I'm all stocked up on bags to send.

I got some at the liquor store because the liquor store always has the prettiest bags in town. Not only did the guy not bat an eye at me buying five bags and not using any of them for the bottle of wine I was also buying, but he said they might have new bags in the back if I wanted to see them, in case I liked them better.
posted by jacquilynne at 2:48 PM on July 7, 2010


It occurs to me now that given that it was a liquor store in a not entirely nice part of town, that was probably one of the less odd things the cashiers there see in a day.
posted by jacquilynne at 2:50 PM on July 7, 2010


I don't think I'll play. If you can get someone to send you some bags from Hannaford in upstate NY, though, they're awesome. I brought back a few when I was out there and I've used them daily ever since. Groceries, taking stuff to Goodwill (but keeping my bags)... hell, I even use them now for taking my lunch and books/papers to work instead of a backpack or brief case. The big size is perfect for carrying a bunch of stuff, and the smaller size has a cow face that everyone loves and comments on its cuteness.

/plug
posted by ctmf at 5:41 PM on July 7, 2010


So would anyone be bothered by sports-themed bags? I was just at the grocery store and they had a ton of Cubs/Sox/Stanley Cup bags.
posted by sugarfish at 6:40 PM on July 7, 2010


So would anyone be bothered by sports-themed bags? I was just at the grocery store and they had a ton of Cubs/Sox/Stanley Cup bags.

I would have found that hilarious and awesome when i lived in a town with no deep sports loyalty. Here in Philly, uh, sorry, useless.

Sooooooo no offense though. Can this sort of thing be accommodated?
posted by desuetude at 9:12 PM on July 7, 2010


"Those planes and trucks are going to get moving whether or not these bags are getting shipped. Maximizing the amount of cargo they're carrying for the fuel they're using is actually quite the Earth-friendly thing to do."

Except it doesn't work that way. And you can argue that "oh, it's just another drop in the bucket," but isn't the point of environmentalism that everyone's choices on the micro level add up to macro damage? If everyone applies the same logic, then guess what? That plane's going to be full before your package is loaded. Now they have to send two planes. (See? Ridiculous logic works both ways.)

You can do it. I know you're going to do it. And you'll justify it in any of a million ways. Smart folks are actually better at justifying, because they're way more creative at coming up with excuses. But what it comes down to is you *want* and damn the consequences.

And yes, every decision counts. Not every decision is as clear-cut as this one, though (mental gymnastics aside). You don't need these bags. The whole swap idea is antithetical to the use of reuseable bags in the first place. Scaling it up to dozens of people just makes the problem worse, exponentially. But you'll still do it. And you'll have the nerve to be smug about your "cool collection" of, let's face it, bags. And you'll still have the gall to be smug the next time an environmental issue comes up, and condescending to the people who make the wrong choices. But it's choices like these that add up to environmental catastrophe. No one decided to have a huge garbage patch in the ocean. We all decided to have it.
posted by Eideteker at 5:09 AM on July 8, 2010


Oh, yes, I plan to be totally smug about my cool collection of reusable shopping bags. I shall brag about them to everyone I see.

Or, you know, I'll put groceries in them and take them home again.

One of the two.

Maybe people are more smug about their grocery bags in places where they have a choice? I dunno. Here in Toronto, since the bag law, even the least environmentally conscious people imaginable still carry their reuseable bags.
posted by jacquilynne at 5:30 AM on July 8, 2010


And yes, every decision counts. Not every decision is as clear-cut as this one, though (mental gymnastics aside). You don't need these bags.

And you don't need to waste valuable electricity and resources engaging in silly arguments with people on the Internet.

I think your point's been made. Thanks for contributing your opinion.
posted by Shepherd at 8:27 AM on July 8, 2010 [2 favorites]


You don't need these bags.

How the fuck do you know what I want? I'm going to use mine to carry home dead baby pandas that are on sale at the Cupertino farmers market. In fact, I could use them by Saturday so I'm willing to send over a G150 to pick up if any of you have them ready to go.
posted by special-k at 9:09 AM on July 8, 2010 [1 favorite]


No one decided to have a huge garbage patch in the ocean. We all decided to have it.

You know the giant garbage patch isn't real right? It's been so throughly debunked I find it strange whenever I see people refer to it.
posted by shelleycat at 2:44 PM on July 8, 2010


ctmf: "If you can get someone to send you some bags from Hannaford in upstate NY, though, they're awesome."

I live up the street from Hannaford (Boston area, but it's the same chain). Their bags are great and I'm planning on sending some of those out.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 3:47 PM on July 8, 2010


You know the giant garbage patch isn't real right? It's been so throughly debunked I find it strange whenever I see people refer to it.

You forgot to add #HAMBURGER at the end.
posted by special-k at 3:47 PM on July 8, 2010


I'm in, because I'm easily amused. I'll be doing Central Market bags from Shoreline, Washington, probably. Also Trader Joe's, PCC, various drug stores...

We're all listening to Tim Minchin as we read this, right?
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:54 AM on July 9, 2010


baxter_ilion and I are in! (in Chicago, that is). And since we live in the same apartment, we count as one...uh, trade.
posted by bibliogrrl at 7:46 PM on July 9, 2010


Shepard, for the record when you're making your massive spreadsheet of wonder, I'm in for 10 bags (2 bags each for 5 peeps, right?), will take bags of any material, and am willing to trade both domestically and internationally.
posted by spinturtle at 8:54 PM on July 10, 2010


Unless someone participating lives on an iceberg

Since I no longer live on the Falkland Islands, I'm in too! (Although actually maybe I could still do it if I was there).

Count me in from Edinburgh, Scotland, but definitely not for 10 - I only ever use two, and can't afford to buy 10. I'd love to send out a few of these babies , but they cost £5 for 2!
posted by penguin pie at 5:40 AM on July 15, 2010


I'm in too, for five bags. Will be shipping them from HK.
posted by onegoodthing at 10:08 PM on July 17, 2010


Quick FYI: I'm currently collating a list. A few things are becoming apparent:

1. Lots of Americans! With 50 people in the "10-bag" list, that gives 10 sets, and 3 or 4 U.S. residents per set. I'm varying by geographical area.

2. Many of our overseas participants fall in the "not-10-bag" category.

3. This is going to be fun!
posted by Shepherd at 12:39 PM on July 19, 2010


I would prefer to be in a five bag group and I do not AT ALL mind paying extra postage to swap with people in other countries.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:01 PM on July 19, 2010


Same here. Five bags would be good, I'm in the US, and I would happily swap with furriners -- in fact, I'd prefer it.
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:02 PM on July 19, 2010


If it makes things easier, I'm happy to be in 2 5-bag sets rather than one 10-bag set. I already bought 10 bags, though. I'm in Canada and will happily send wherever, since CanadaPost is going to rape me with the postage charges whether I send them 12km or 12000km.
posted by jacquilynne at 1:09 PM on July 19, 2010


And here's what I wound up with.

10-BAG PARTICIPANTS:

I tried to organize this with a weighting system:

USA = 1. Most participants are American; other U.S. bags are the "least" interesting.
Other English-Speaking = 2. Bags will still be (mostly) in English, but a bit more exotic.
Non-English-Speaking = 3. Bags not in English will be a bit more thrilling and different.

Obviously this isn't perfect and universally applicable, but it was my guideline. A couple of people didn't provide location, or in one case had bags from somewhere "exotic" while not residing there, so I guessed USA for the locationless, and counted the "exotic bags" as an exotic location.

Using this system, I tried to make groups that had "scores" of 7 or 8 each. So some groups have one non-English country in the mix, and others have two non-U.S. locations. This keeps it "fair" in terms of people getting an even mix of "exotic" bags, and also in terms of keeping postal costs under control. I tried to mix things up within the States as much as I could as well.

Hopefully this will get everyone some neat bags from other parts of the country and other parts of the world!

I'm going to MeMail everybody a link to this list, and from here on out it's up to you. MeMail your fellow participants with your postal address, and let the magic happen!

I probably screwed something up. Feel free to talk within your group if I made a mistake (you're not in for 10 bags, you're not interested at all, you don't want bags with alligators on them, whatever) and contact me if something radical needs changing.

GROUP 1: ALWAYS BET ON SACK
wallaby / Brazil / http://www.metafilter.com/user/17704
Shepherd / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/67109
reenum Kansas USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/44996
oolookitty L.A. USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/11065
freejinn Utah USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/99336

GROUP 2: I DON'T MEAN TO BAG
vespabelle ??? USA? / http://www.metafilter.com/user/88816
MelanieL / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/100153
spinturtle Connecticut USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/42203
niles Wisconsin USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/43537
taff / Australia / http://www.metafilter.com/user/47555

GROUP 3: SACK OF ALL TRADES
flex / [Panama?] / http://www.metafilter.com/user/109567
Scruss / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/18069
youcancallmeal Baltimore USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/29156
special-k California USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/35136
sugarfish Chicago, MI USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/444

GROUP 4: ZIG-BAG
girlgenius / Australia / http://www.metafilter.com/user/87337
jacquilynne / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/14786
cobaltnine Connecticut USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/33344
mygothlaundry North Carolina USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/17735
CathyG Texas USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/96129

GROUP 5: SACK THE KNIFE
tractorfeed / France / http://www.metafilter.com/user/12840
keli Cincinatti USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/7061
Cat Pie Hurts Boston USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/47613
conrad53 L.A. USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/51924
mumland Oregon USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/18263

GROUP 6: DON'T LET THE CAT OUT
kjs4 / Australia / http://www.metafilter.com/user/43169
violetu / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/75089
darsh Boston USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/14596
bitter-girl Cleveland USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/20842
insectosaurus L.A. USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/90614

GROUP 7: THE BAG-AVAD GITA
jonesor / Germany / http://www.metafilter.com/user/25824
NoraReed New Mexico USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/84904
lysdexic Texas USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/14601
janell Oregon USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/31323
Crunchland Virginia USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/2975

GROUP 8: NOT FOR SACK OF TRYING
Estrange Fruit / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/108563
citands / England / http://www.metafilter.com/user/97434
eunoia Connecticut USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/35865
Jessamyn Vermont USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/292
vespertine West Coast USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/30257

GROUP 9: BAG 'EM AND TAG 'EM
bibliogrrl Chicago, MI USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/109359
widdershins Connecticut USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/16531
msali North Carolina USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/27975
The corpse in the library Seattle, WA USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/32795
ceiriog / Wales / http://www.metafilter.com/user/1356

GROUP 10: SACK TO THE FUTURE
dinty_moore Minneapolis USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/46467
sciencegeek NYC USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/86040
bearwife Seattle WA USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/96315
rabidseque Washington DC USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/90254
mdonley / Poland / http://www.metafilter.com/user/26924

SMALL-BATCH PARTICIPANTS:

The few of you that were interested, but not in getting and sending 10 bags necessarily. I bunched you into groups of two or three (and added myself to one of the groups because, well, my wife wants a bag from Hong Kong!), using a pretty obvious system. But feel free to "talk among yourselves" as well.

If there's a volunteer for Small-Batch 2, please chime in.

SMALL-BATCH 1 (less than 10; arrange exact numbers among yourselves)
shinybaum Manchester England # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/105080
zinfadel Texas USA # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/85543
misozaki Tokyo Japan # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/32881

SMALL-BATCH 2 (less than 10; arrange exact numbers among yourselves)

jeoc North Carolina USA # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/91079
penguin pie Edinburgh Scotland # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/17544

SMALL-BATCH 3 (less than 10; arrange exact numbers among yourselves)

onegoodthing Hong Kong Hong Kong # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/112482
desuetude Philadelphia USA # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/21365
Shepherd Quebec Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/67109

THANK YOU for giving this idea a shot!
posted by Shepherd at 1:16 PM on July 19, 2010


I would prefer to be in a five bag group and I do not AT ALL mind paying extra postage to swap with people in other countries.

Me too. So if I understand correctly, the groups above are all 10 bag swaps, right? If so please move me to a smaller 5 bag group. thanks!
posted by special-k at 1:27 PM on July 19, 2010


I'll go into small batch-2
posted by special-k at 1:28 PM on July 19, 2010


D'oh. IGNORE THE ABOVE THEN

and I'll rejigger according to the didn't-preview adjustments and special-k's request.

Updating ASAP.
posted by Shepherd at 1:38 PM on July 19, 2010


A few last adjustments to accomodate quick requests from jessamyn, corpse, and jacquilynne and special-k.

Group 3 is now a bit overbig. This is balanced by the fact that I think flex is a U.S. citizen, so postage costs are reasonable.

If you don't want 10 bags (sending or receiving), don't worry. Just make it clear when you MeMail your group members that you only want to send, and receive, one per person.



GROUP 1: ALWAYS BET ON SACK
wallaby / Brazil / http://www.metafilter.com/user/17704
Shepherd / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/67109
reenum Kansas USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/44996
oolookitty L.A. USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/11065
freejinn Utah USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/99336

GROUP 2: I DON'T MEAN TO BAG
vespabelle ??? USA? / http://www.metafilter.com/user/88816
MelanieL / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/100153
spinturtle Connecticut USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/42203
niles Wisconsin USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/43537
taff / Australia / http://www.metafilter.com/user/47555

GROUP 3: SACK OF ALL TRADES
flex / [Panama?] / http://www.metafilter.com/user/109567
Scruss / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/18069
youcancallmeal Baltimore USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/29156
sugarfish Chicago, MI USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/444
citands / England / http://www.metafilter.com/user/97434
vespertine West Coast USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/30257

GROUP 4: ZIG-BAG
girlgenius / Australia / http://www.metafilter.com/user/87337
cobaltnine Connecticut USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/33344
mygothlaundry North Carolina USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/17735
CathyG Texas USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/96129
Estrange Fruit / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/108563

GROUP 5: SACK THE KNIFE
tractorfeed / France / http://www.metafilter.com/user/12840
keli Cincinatti USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/7061
Cat Pie Hurts Boston USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/47613
conrad53 L.A. USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/51924
mumland Oregon USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/18263

GROUP 6: DON'T LET THE CAT OUT
kjs4 / Australia / http://www.metafilter.com/user/43169
violetu / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/75089
darsh Boston USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/14596
bitter-girl Cleveland USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/20842
insectosaurus L.A. USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/90614

GROUP 7: THE BAG-AVAD GITA
jonesor / Germany / http://www.metafilter.com/user/25824
NoraReed New Mexico USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/84904
lysdexic Texas USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/14601
janell Oregon USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/31323
Crunchland Virginia USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/2975

GROUP 8: REDACTED

GROUP 9: BAG 'EM AND TAG 'EM
bibliogrrl Chicago, MI USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/109359
widdershins Connecticut USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/16531
msali North Carolina USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/27975
ceiriog / Wales / http://www.metafilter.com/user/1356
eunoia Connecticut USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/35865


GROUP 10: SACK TO THE FUTURE
dinty_moore Minneapolis USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/46467
sciencegeek NYC USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/86040
bearwife Seattle WA USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/96315
rabidseque Washington DC USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/90254
mdonley / Poland / http://www.metafilter.com/user/26924

SMALL-BATCH PARTICIPANTS:

The few of you that were interested, but not in getting and sending 10 bags necessarily. I bunched you into groups of two or three (and added myself to one of the groups because, well, my wife wants a bag from Hong Kong!), using a pretty obvious system. But feel free to "talk among yourselves" as well.

If there's a volunteer for Small-Batch 2, please chime in.

SMALL-BATCH 1 (less than 10; arrange exact numbers among yourselves)
zinfadel Texas USA # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/85543
misozaki Tokyo Japan # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/32881
jessamyn Vermont USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/292


SMALL-BATCH 2 (less than 10; arrange exact numbers among yourselves)

jeoc North Carolina USA http://www.metafilter.com/user/91079
penguin pie Edinburgh Scotland http://www.metafilter.com/user/17544
special-k California USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/35136


SMALL-BATCH 3 (less than 10; arrange exact numbers among yourselves)

onegoodthing Hong Kong Hong Kong http://www.metafilter.com/user/112482
desuetude Philadelphia USA http://www.metafilter.com/user/21365
Shepherd Quebec Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/67109
jacquilynne (x1) / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/14786


SMALL-BATCH 4 (new small batch)
shinybaum Manchester England # TBA http://www.metafilter.com/user/105080
The corpse in the library Seattle, WA USA / http://www.metafilter.com/user/32795
jacquilynne (x2) / Canada / http://www.metafilter.com/user/14786
posted by Shepherd at 1:57 PM on July 19, 2010


Small-Batch 4 kicks ass! Yeah!

I mean, thanks for organizing this bit of ridiculousness.
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:58 PM on July 19, 2010


Yay :)

Small batch 4 is a wee bit tiny for the number of bags I bought, so if anyone wants another swap, if you want to leave a note here I'll send one from the republic of mancunia. I have three bags left for swapping.
posted by shinybaum at 3:11 PM on July 19, 2010


Ditto, me. I can swap an extra 2 bags with anyone not in group 7.
posted by crunchland at 3:14 PM on July 19, 2010


crunchland, I wouldn't mind swapping with you.
posted by shinybaum at 3:19 PM on July 19, 2010


It's been a long week here (I know. It's only Monday. gah.), but just so I'm clear: I buy a set of two bags for each person in my group? That is, even though it's "10 bags", I'm not actually sending 10 bags all to one person.

Right?
posted by niles at 3:28 PM on July 19, 2010


I buy a set of two bags for each person in my group? That is, even though it's "10 bags", I'm not actually sending 10 bags all to one person.

2 bags each x 5 people.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 3:31 PM on July 19, 2010


Excellent. I'm giving myself an B+ in reading comprehension for the day.
posted by niles at 3:54 PM on July 19, 2010


MeMailed up to NoraReed and then I got a system "cool it" warning. So I guess I'll finish alerting the troops tomorrow morning!

And yes, niles -- I (selfishly) couldn't settle on one cool bag to send to one person, so I decided to buy two bags per person so I can spread things around a little, then thought others might feel likewise.
posted by Shepherd at 3:56 PM on July 19, 2010


(It's actually not 2 x 5 people. Each group is 2 x 4 other people, plus you. So you only need to buy 8 bags, not 10.)
posted by crunchland at 3:58 PM on July 19, 2010


Damnit crunchland, I was feeling smart!
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 4:02 PM on July 19, 2010


Oooh, good point crunchland. That's good, actually, since I bought 5 Stew Leonard's bags and reptile wanted me to keep one.
posted by cobaltnine at 5:49 PM on July 19, 2010


Stew Leonard's! Oh, such a wave of nostalgia for the east coast.
posted by janell at 7:46 PM on July 19, 2010


flex is actually an Ontarian and would love bags from overseas countries. I can send one Panama and one Canada bag per person, or two Panama bags, whatever you like. Also I wouldn't mind throwing in with a couple small batch groups - Japan and Welsh and Scottish bags sound awesome.
posted by flex at 8:57 PM on July 19, 2010


Ooh, I forgot all about this - fun! Quick question though - I see a lot of people upthread who have run out and bought all new bags for this - I was going to recycle some of the bags we already have and use. They're obviously clean, in good condition and look new. Is that a problem? Will I be forever known as the cheapskate MeFite who couldn't even be bothered to buy new bags?
posted by widdershins at 9:49 AM on July 20, 2010


I don't mind at all getting used ones, I'd like them. I just didn't have enough in the house that didn't look like my cat had mated with them then set them on fire.
posted by shinybaum at 10:00 AM on July 20, 2010


Yay! So excited about this. Thanks for organizing it!
posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:18 AM on July 20, 2010


Oh this is awesome. I am SUPER excited about this.
posted by bibliogrrl at 12:07 PM on July 20, 2010


Now I get to start going on bag quests. I love having quests.
posted by sciencegeek at 1:03 PM on July 20, 2010


I was planning to send out lightly used ones too - mixed in with some new, to make up numbers
posted by darsh at 3:27 PM on July 20, 2010


Hurrah! Two Canadians and three Americans! I am so excited about crazy overseas bags.

I am going to try and track bags down in my two home-cities, Nottingham and Cambridge. I'm not sure we have locale-specific bags but if we do, I intend to find them!
posted by citands at 7:06 AM on July 21, 2010


Awesome, buying bags this weekend.
posted by keli at 6:10 PM on July 23, 2010


Shocked and horrified to discover that the local library -- which was my backbone for the project -- has no more bags and has no idea when they'll be getting more. Time to improvise!
posted by Shepherd at 3:05 AM on July 24, 2010


Will I be forever known as the cheapskate MeFite who couldn't even be bothered to buy new bags?

Not by me, you won't. I'd like to do the same, and we're in the same group. Driving 25 miles to buy new bags is no way to save the planet. I've MeMailed you.
posted by ceiriog at 3:21 AM on July 24, 2010


I think I'm not understanding something. I'm in a group of five... so I buy EIGHT bags, don't I? I get 2 bags each from the other four... where is the TEN coming from?
posted by taff at 8:26 PM on July 24, 2010


It's 8, as crunchland explains. I sent mine out today.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:36 PM on July 24, 2010


Thanks so much Jessamyn. I thought I was potty.
posted by taff at 8:47 PM on July 24, 2010


Small Batch 3, I'm not ignoring you! Sorry I haven't been replying to MeMails!
posted by desuetude at 11:08 AM on July 25, 2010


Ten in our group - and I've sent them all out (except for flex). Group 3, look out for a classy Toronto Public Library bag along with a my-eyes-the-goggles-do-nothing Bulk Barn one.
posted by scruss at 12:01 PM on July 25, 2010


Since I bought 10 bags instead of only 8, I still have 2 bags left to do a side-share if anyone is interested.
posted by crunchland at 5:41 PM on July 25, 2010


where is the TEN coming from?

My piss-poor math skills when coming up with the idea.
posted by Shepherd at 5:50 PM on July 25, 2010


No worries, Shep. Thanks for coming up with the idea.
posted by crunchland at 6:00 PM on July 25, 2010


My bags are packed; they're ready to go.
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:50 PM on July 25, 2010


I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.
posted by desuetude at 10:29 PM on July 25, 2010


crunchland, i'm up for a side-swap too, if you like.

i accidentally got too many bags also..... but i'm in australialand in case that wouldn't be good for you.
posted by taff at 2:47 AM on July 26, 2010


I got my first bag today from Hong Kong, it's absolutely gorgeous (and came with green tea sweeties, yum).
posted by shinybaum at 10:09 AM on July 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


I've got half my bags so far but am still trying to find a good one for the second half. I've been trying to find typically NYC stuff but the ones that are typically NYC are kind of ugly. If anyone else in the area has suggestions, let me know - although I kind of want what I get to be a surprise until the recipients get the package.
posted by sciencegeek at 10:28 AM on July 29, 2010


Two packages sent out! Am I behind? I just don't know and the top of the thread is so far away.

I'm awaiting two address and one confirmation, so, group three, get your asses in gear, you've got some top-notch Nottingham tat coming your way!
posted by citands at 11:52 AM on July 29, 2010


My packages go out on Saturday, members of my group. But even though I was planning to get you all 2 different bags from 2 different local stores (Central Market and PCC Natural Markets), I actually love PCC far, far more -- and they had 2 bags I couldn't choose between -- so you all get two (different) bags from PCC each. And if you are the people of taste I believe you to be, you will love them.
posted by bearwife at 12:11 PM on July 29, 2010


My bag arrived in Japan. I got some bags from Texas. Woo!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:58 PM on July 29, 2010


I've got bags being sent out now -- a bit of a delay due to logistics fail -- and am looking forward to seeing what arrives! One no-show in my group, but I've MeMailed to check in and hopefully we'll connect.
posted by Shepherd at 5:23 AM on July 30, 2010


I got bags from Cleveland, and have sent all bar Australia, which will be mailed tomorrow! yay bags!
posted by darsh at 9:36 AM on July 30, 2010


Just sent out all of mine-though I forgot to add the note I typed up to the packages before sealing them. Whoops.
posted by dinty_moore at 10:15 AM on July 30, 2010


I just shipped out my bags this morning. USians should get theirs sometime next week. The Francetastican's bags should arrive in the next 10 days (according to the USPS).
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 11:59 AM on July 30, 2010


I have bags! I shall now be letting the people of my Seattle suburb know that I care deeply about keeping Bolton wherever that is green.
posted by The corpse in the library at 5:26 PM on July 30, 2010


And they are sent! Went out on July 31. Enjoy, recipients!
posted by bearwife at 9:56 AM on August 2, 2010


I have all the bags ready for my group and need to get them packaged up and to the post office.
posted by sciencegeek at 10:10 AM on August 2, 2010


I have part of my bags and I plan to send stuff out tomorrow.
posted by special-k at 10:12 AM on August 2, 2010


I've recieved all my bags now, but there's no way I'm taking some of them shopping - too pretty. This was a great idea, thanks for organising it :)
posted by shinybaum at 6:08 AM on August 3, 2010


They're coming in now, and they're awesome! Yay!
posted by Shepherd at 4:34 PM on August 3, 2010


I've had two lots of bags arrive from Americaland and I'm so embarrassed. My fellow Australians will attest to the fact that we just don't have those fabulous bags that the Americans have.

I"m very grateful for the fabulous ones I received... but so ashamed of my contribution. They're all uniquely Australian but not chic and fun and colourful and gorgeous like the ones I was sent. Bugger.
posted by taff at 9:13 PM on August 4, 2010


Sent mine out yesterday. Enjoy!
I have a few extra canvas bags from Panama if anyone would like a side-swap.
posted by flex at 11:30 AM on August 5, 2010


I would like a side swap, can offer something weird from VT. MeMail me details?
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:51 AM on August 5, 2010


There was a run on my booze bags, but I have a handful of Highland Farms bags from Toronto left if anyone else wants a side swap. They are eye-searingly green, but I favor them for their wide width and their other stand-up and stay open while you pack shit in them proportions.

I've received two bag packages so far, and have a handful more coming, and it's been really nifty!
posted by jacquilynne at 12:01 PM on August 5, 2010


I swear that i have not let my little swapset down, I promise. It's been a crrraaaazzzyy few weeks for me.
posted by desuetude at 2:17 PM on August 5, 2010


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